Intake pipe and valve



' Oct. 27, 1931. I o. v. KRUSE ETAL INTAKE PIPE AND VALVE Filed Feb. 4, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 27, 1 931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE OTTO V. KRUSE, OF ST. DAVIDS, AND CHESTER W. LARNER, OF PHILADELPHIA,'PENN- SYLVANIA, ASSIGNORS TO I. P. MORRIS &, DE LA.

POBATiON or DELAWARE VEIRGNE, INCORPORATED, A COR- INTAKE PIPE AND VALVE Application filed February This invention relates to improved foot valve mechanisms and to the combination thereof with an improved intake pipe.

Certain hydraulic systems such as pumplng systems utilize a suction intake pipe disposed either in a. horizontal or a vertical posit on and projecting into tailwater from whlch fluid is to be pumped.

It is an object of our invention to prov de an improved foot valve and the combination thereof with an improved intake pipe, preterably a suction pipe, which combination is in distinction to pipe lines having control valves, valve controlled outlet pipes for dams or the like, and to intake pipes having flat or poppet check valves which do not permit smooth flow into the pipe or regulated movement of the valves.

A further object is to provide an improved arrangement between a foot valve and an efficient type of suction intake pipe. A more specific object inthis latter respect is to provide a flaring suction pipe having a valve 7 at the smaller end thereof, such an arrangement permitting the use of a relatively small a valve in addition to other advantages as will be apparent to those skilled in this art from the disclosure herein.

, Other objects are: to providein combination with the intake pipe a flow recording means, which combination is in distinction to those having measuring devices associated with the discharge side of a pump; to provide more specifically a combination of elements permtting a Venturi characteristic between the tailwater level and the throat of the valve so that simple measuring devices may be used for recording the flow; to provide a valve which closes automatically in an improved manner to prevent reversal of flow or which can be operated as a stop valve; and to provide a valve which is so located that the pump Iwill always be primed and which opens automatically at'a relatively slow. and predetermined regulated rate when the pump is started. V

Other objects and advantages will be more apparent from the following description of the aicompanying drawings, in which 4, 1926. Serial No. 85,815.

Fig. l is an elevation of a valve embodied in a pump. system.

Fig. 2 is a central section of the valve.

Figs. 3-6 are modified forms of valve mechanisms and the controlling means therefor.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of an auxiliary control valve.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of an intake pipe and pivoted valve provided with a suitable Venturi recording device.

Fig. 9 is a modified arrangement of valve and horizontal non-flare intake pipe.

In one specific illustrative embodiment of the invention t-hereis provided a flaring intake pipe 1 having at its lower and smaller end an intake valve mechanism 2 disposed below a water level 3, while the upper end of pipe 1 has communication with any suitable suction pumping mechanism such as a centrifugal pump 4 driven in any suitable manner as by an electric motor 5. The intake pipe 1 extends laterally from the axis of the horizontal shaft pump 4, this horizontal type being shown for purposes of illustration. The valve comprises a casing having an upper circular portion 7 provided with a suitable flange 8 and seat 9, and from which a series of webs 10 project downwardly to support an annular plunger guide and chamber forming member 11, which in turn is provided with an annular flange to which a cover plate 12 is secured as by cap screws 13. Lateral passageways are formed between webs or ribs 10 whereby fluid flows inwardly in a lateral direction over member 11. A central hollow member 14 projects from the cover 12 and is provided at its upper end with a bushing 15, while the hollowv portion has commu'- nication with a passage 16 formed in a suitable radially ext-ending lug. A movable plunger 17, has an orifice 18 controllable by a ball check valve 19, which is suitably guided by ribs and is prevented from entirely shutting off flow through orifice 18 by small lips 20 projecting from the guiding ribs. The orifice 18 communicates with the chamber A of the plunger as by a passage 22 formed in a removable member 23 and by a series of flutes 24 formed in the outer surface of the lower enlarged portion of member 23. The 100 flutes terminate short of the end of member 23 to provide an annular'portion 23' wh ch is in efi'ect a valve adapted to cooperate with the bushing 15 to cut oil fluid flow through the flutes. An enlarged annular portion 25 provides a piston cooperating withan opening chamber B which has communication at senting a very large passage area in comparison to the minmum diameter of the intake. With a large passage area the flow velocity through screen 27 will be relatively low and consequently foreign material is less likely to be firmly lodged in or against the screen mesh.

To actuate the valve passages 30 and 31 have communication respectively with chambers A and B. 4 The passages 16, 30'and 31 have communication respectively with pipes 32, 33 and 34. The pipe 34 has communication with a four-way valve 35, which also'controls fluid flow through a supplemental closure pipe 36 leading from a supply pipe 37 to the pipe 32. A discharge pipe 38 is provided with the valve 35. The supply pipe 37 may have communication with either the pump outlet or with a suitable source of-exterior supply which is provided through a valve controlled pipe 40. To control fluid flow from the pipe 37 to pipes 32 and 33 there are provided pipes 41 and 42 having re spectively a solenoid controlled valve 43 and an adjustable hand valve 44. The current for controlling the solenoid valve 43, well the velocity flow upwardly past the nose of.

.- known in the art and which can be similar to" F 1g. 7 but with a solenoid substituted for the.

piston 104, is preferably obtained from the same source as that for driving motor 5, so that in case power is interrupted the valve 43 will open automatically. Adjustable hand valves 45and 46 are disposed in pipes 32 and 33 and normally are adjusted to give a throttling action, while the valve 47 disposed in pipe 36 is normally closed.

There-are a number of difi'erentmodes of operation of the valve and pumpin system, certain of which are as follows: enthe plunger is in open position valves 43, 44 and 47 are closed, thereby preventing supply of of any fluid in said chamber is reduced due to the plunger; The reduction of pressure on the outside of the plunger now is transmitted to the chamber A past the valve 19, which is held away from its seat by the lips 20, and I through passage 22 and flutes 24. The pressure in chamber A is, therefore, less than the pressure in chamber B, which latter pressure is equal to the tail-water head, this tail-water pressure being transmitted through port 26. Due to the weight of the plunger and the difference in pressure in chambers A and B the valve will remain open. In case the valve is disposed horizontally the difl'erential pressures are suflicient to hold open the plunger.

To Elose the valve fluid pressure may be supplied to chamber A throu h ipes 32 and as by opening any one or all of the valves 43, 44 and 47. In any case fluid pressure will be admitted to chamber A to cause closing movement and if all sources are simultaneously opened the plunger will close at arelatively rapid rate for a portion of its stroke,

which portion is determined by the distance that flutes 24 are spaced from the end of member 23. The plunger and member 23 will move upwardly until the lower unfluted portion 23' engages bushing 15. Thereafter fluid can flow to chamber A only thru passage 30 and 43 immediately opening under such conditions, and thereby permitting flow of actuating fluid through pipes 32 and 33 t0 the chamber A. With the valve closed the tail-pipe 1 will be kept filled with water and accordingly the pump 4 will remain primed.

The valve willalso close automatically in case fluid flow in the tail-pipe 1 reverses, this automatic closingtaking place even though the solenoid valve 43 and valves 44 and 47 remain closed. The pressure head of the reverse fluid flow' will be transmitted to the chamber A as through'the orifice 18, passage 22 and flutes 24, thereby closing the plunger,

even though chamber B may be .filled with fluid pressure as through port 26. The presl e lower than the sure in chamber B wi pressure head of water in the tail-pipe due to chamber B being in direct communication with the tail-water head whereas the chamber A receives its pressure from the intake" pipe. The plunger valve will be moved in a closing direction even after the unfluted end 23 engages the bearing 15' for the rea- ,son that fluid pressure will then be transfluid pressure to chamber A and the pressure mitt ed through orifice 18, passages 22 and lfi pipe 32, past'throttling valves 45 and 46. and through pipe 33 to chamber A, thereby eflectin'g complete closure. Thus, the plunger may close automatically on reverse flow irrespective of the controlling valves 43, 44

any reason the plunger should not open, by

merely turning valve 35 through 90 fluid pressure may be supplied to chamber B at a greater rate than it could flow out through port 26, and accordingly exert a .downward 5 opening force on the plunger. The chamber A during this operation is connected to atmosphere through pipe 38.

With the valve closed due to reverse fluid flow whenever the pump is again started the pressure supply for chamber A is automatically reduced due to the reduction in pressure at the orifice 18, and as the pump gains in speed the pressure in the tail-pipe 1 drops accordingly until such a point is reached that pressure in chamber B, or the pressure combined with the ,weight of the valve will be greater than pressure in chamber A and accordingly the plunger valve will open. The rate of valve opening will depend upon the rate at which water is-discharged from chamber A and the relatively slow opening of the plunger allows the pump to attain full speed before pumping at its full capacity. This permits of gradual loading of the pump and 5 motor.

In the modified forms shown in Figs. 3-6 1 the suction pump and driving means thereformaybe substantially the same as shown n Fig. 1. In Fig. 3 the suction pipe 50 carries a valve mechanism having a body 51 cast integral with a cylinder 52 and provided with water passages 53 which are formed bet-ween connecting radial ribs 54 The passages 53 and the nose portion 55 of a plunger 56 are properly curved to allow eflicient intake flow.

The lower end of cylinder 52 is closed by a cover 57, while a rod 58 is connected to the plunger 56 and toe piston 59 disposed in cylinder 60. The plunger nose has restricted v ports 61 allowing communication with the cylinder 52 and suction pipe 50.

To control the plunger there is provided a line 62 leading to the pump discharge line and communicating with cylinder chamber 1 63 as by a pipe 64 which has a solenoid controlled valve 65 disposed therein. An auxiliary pressure supply pipe 66 also communirates with the cylinder end 63 by the pipe 64, while a valve controlled pipe 67f connects pipes 62 and 66. Fluid to the cylinder end 68 is controlled by a valve 69 in which pipe 62 terminates and with which a pipe 70 is adapted to communicate with the atmosphere through a drain pipe 71. The pipe 7 O is preferably' multiple connected with the cylinder end 68, thereby to efiect retarded closing plunger movement. A pipe 72 allows com munication between the intake pipe and cylinder end 63, and is provided with an adj ustable throttle valve 73. Pipes 66 and 67 have disposed therein hand valves 74 and 75.

In operation, with the pump running, pressure in chamber 63 is equal to the pressure in suction pipe 50. Cylinder end 68 has atmospheric communication and accordingly atmospheric pressure in chamber 68 being greater than suction pressure in chamber 63 will cause plunger 56 to remain open. This holding open force is increased due to the weight of the various members and to the reaction on the nose 55 due to the turning of the inflow through passages 53. The reduced pressure within cylinder 52 transmitted through port 61 from the intake pipe also aids in holding the valve open. If interruption of power occurs solenoid valve 65 opens and immediately admits pressure to chamber 63, and thereby closes plunger 56, the cylinder 60 being made large enough to overcome the reaction force and other opening forces. The throttle valve 73 is so adjusted that the discharge of pressure through this valve will not interfere with establishing by pipe 64 ample pressure in chamber 63. During closure the pressure in suction pipe 50 will eventually become full pipe line pressure but closing movement of plunger 56 continues as the full pipe line pressure is -communicated to cylinder 52 through the port 61. Also full line pressure will be transmitted to chamber 63 through pipe 72.

When the pump is again started solenoid valve 65 is immediately closed but pressure is still being communicated through pipe 72, thereby holding the plunger closed. After the pump has gained suflicient speed to reduce the pressure in suction pipe 50 to atmosphere or below the pressure in chamber 63 will likewise be reduced, and hence plunger 55 will open automatically due to its own 1 weight and to other forces previously mentioned. The cylinder 60 may be used to open or close plunger 55 when the pump is not running or in an emergency by operating valve 69 and admitting pressure to chamber 68 or by operating either of valves 74 or 75.

In the modified form shown in Fig. 4 the valve element 80 is a disk supported by an operating shaft 81 and actuated by a piston 82 and cylinder 83 carried preferably on the intake pipev 84. The disk valve in combination with guiding surface 85 forms'a smooth and efiicient water passage leading to the suction pipe 84. Ribs 86 project downwardly from member 85 to form a suitable guide for disk valve 80. Cylinder chambers 87 and 88 are adapted to be placedin communication with an auxiliary pressure supply pipe 88 or to the pump discharge line 89 as by pipes 90 and 91. Adjustable hand valves 92, 93

' chamber 87 and is controlled by a solenoid controlled valve 97. A pipe 99 connected in drain. pipe 96 leads to a supplemental drain control valve 100. This valve as shown in Fig. 7 comprises a casing 101 having a drain 10' pipe 102 and a movable valve member 103 which is actuated by a piston 104 connected to valve 103 as by a suitably weighted linkage connection 105. A cylinder 106 cooperating with piston 104 has communication with intake pipe 84 as by a pipe 107. The weight, preferably adjustably mounted onlinkage connection 105, is not absolutely essential to the opening and closing of valve 103. The pump when running creates a suction beneath piston 104, thereby holding valve 103 closed, but in case the pump stops static pressure is built up in intake pipe 84 and transmitted to cylinder 106, thereby opening valve 103 and permitting drainage of chamber 87. Fluid flow into chamber 88 will, therefore,

' close disk valve 80. When pumping is restarted suction transmitted to cylinder 106 will close valve .103. The weight is useful, however, for adjusting the operation of this valve to different conditions. Solenoid valve 97 is like the solenoid valves shown in theother modifications and is preferably connected to the source of power supply for the pump actuating mechanism, While valves 93 and 94 'are preferably adjusted to effect throttling action.

In operation with water flowing through the intake pipe in the direction of the arrows, valve disk 80 remains open due to the reaction a on the valve created by changing the direction of waterinflow. There is also an unbalance'in the open position on account of the diflerential effective piston. areas created by the exposed portion 'i of rod 81. If power supply fails, solenoid valve 97 will open and discharge chamber '87 .at a greater rate than fiow thereinto can be had through the throttle valve 93. Accordingly pressure conducted.

through pipe 90 will cause upward movement of piston 82 and thereby effect closure of valve disk 80. The valve disk will close. against full pressure which is eventually built up in suction pipe 84 for the reason that cylinder 83 is larger than valve disk 80.

If solenoid valve 97 is closed, and as long as pressure in intake pipe 84 is low, piston 104 will be in a down position. Accordingly,

. pressure can accumulate in cylinder chamber 87 *and hold valve disk open. However, when the pump is stopped full line pressure builds up in intake 84 and is transmitted to cylinder 106 to open valve 103, thereby draining cylinder chamber 87 to permit fluid pres sure in cylinder chainber 88 to close the valve disk 80. When pressure in the intake pipe is ports 121.

reduced by restarting of the pump, valve 103 will close and valve disk 80 will be opened. The operating methods in connection with Figs. 3 and 4 could be interchanged, and it is also clear that any well-known mechanism could be used for eflecting various stationary positions of the plunger valve in either of the forms previously described or those to be described.

In Fig. 5 a further modified form offoot valve comprises a housing 110 east integrally with a conical section 111, inlet passages 112 being formed between radial ribs 113 and suitably curved to provide a. smooth passage way leading past a plunger valve 114 into an intake pipe 115. The plunger is suitably mounted in the housing 110 and has, an internal fluid passage. The piston 116 connected to the plunger 114 as by a rod 117 is disposed within a cylinder 118 which has a constantly open restricted port 119 and an end cover 120.

Ports 121 extend through the conical por- 1 tion 111 adjacent the rod 117, thereby allowing transmission of'pressure from the suction pipe to the cylinder chamber 122, To control the piston 116 a pipe 123 supplies fluid to the chambers 122 and 124, preferably from the pump discharge as by pipes 125 and 126, provided respectively with a solenoid controlled valve 127 and a normally closed hand valve 128. An auxiliary pressure supply maybe had-through a pipe 129 connected to pipes 125 and 126 and provided with valves 130 and 131.

In operation of the form shown in Fig. 5,

with the pump running, fluid flows through intake passages 112 and will create a reduced pressure in chamber 122 due to port 121, while chamber 124 will be subjected to an opening pressure due to port 119. The pressure in chamber 124 being equal to the static pressure of the tail-Water, the differential pressures in chambers 122 and 124 are suflicient to overcome the weight of the various parts. If certain conditions prevail whereby this differential pressure is insuflicient a small amount ofadditional pressure is supplied through pipe 126. The valve 127 remains closed while power is supplied with the pump motor. As soon as interruption of power occurs the solenoid valve 127' opens and admits pressure from pipe 123 to chamber 122, thereby closing the plunger or sleeve valve 114 to hold fluid in the intake pipe. Even ,if solenoid valve 127 does not open upon interruption of pump actuation, the sleeve valve would close due to reverse flow of fluid'in the intake pipe creating a sufii'cient pressure which is transmitted to chamber 122 through The auxiliary pressure supply pipe 129 may be used for operating the valve in case the regular pum'pdischarge line-is shut down, the valve 130 being normally closed. The valve 131 is similar to the valve mechanism shown in Fig. 7 and is operated by pipe connections similarly arranged as in Fig. 4. Such a valve automatically opens upon reversal of flow or can be opened by hand. Valve 128 could be slightly opened to admit a small amount of pressure to chamber 124 if necessary to overcome the weight of the sleeve valve 114. WVith the valve closed and the suction pipe filled upon restarting of the pump motor, a gradual opening of the valve will be had and accordingly a gradual reloading of the motor.

In Fig. 6 there is shown a further modified form wherein a needle valve 140 is enclosed in a. housing 141, the lower end of which is provided witha flaring mouth 142 covered with a suitably perforated member 143. Ribs 144 guide the needle 140 to its seat 145. A piston 146 connected to the needle valve by a rod 147 is disposed in a cylinder 148. lVhen the pump is running chamber 149 is connected with a pressure supply through a pipe 150 which is provided with an adjustable valve 151. The pipe 150 is connected preferably to a pump discharge pipe 152. During pumping chamber 153 is connected tothe intake pipe 141 by a pipe 154 which has a hand valve 155 adjusted for throttling action. lVhen power supply to the pump actuated motor is interrupted a solenoid valve 156 opens and admits pressure to chamber 153. Due to the weight of the valve and the differential pressure existing in chambers 153 and 149 the needle valve will start to close. As the needle valve approaches closing position the full head in the intake pipe 141 will bear .upon the upper side of the needle plunger and overcome the tail-water head which bears on the under side of the needle valve. Upon restarting the pump the needle valve will not open until a predetermined reduced pressure is had in the intake pipe whereuponpressure in chamber 153 will be reduced and the constantly acting pressure in chamber 149 will thereafter open the needle valve. An emergency supply pipe 157 provided with a normally closed valve 158, may be used in case pump supply is not available. A valve controlled drain pipe 159 has communication with chamber 149. r

It will be noted that all the valves disclosed are provided with suitable screens or other perforated means and also that the valves illustrated do not depend solely for their operation on the action of the solenoid valves. In each case the main valve will close as soon as pressure is established in the suction pipe regardless of whether or not the solenoid valve operates. Also that in each case resetting of the solenoid valve by closing the motor switch will not open the main valve. The main Valve will not open until the pressure in the suction pipe is reduced and the pump is ready to take water. F urther, the operation of these valves is not dependent on the reverse taper of the suction pipe for a straight pipe could be used or even a flare in the reverse direction would be possible. In such constructions, however, the auxiliary automatic closing means is not as positive. The flaring pipe insures a positive static pressure existlng 1n the suction pipe even with the main valve secure the additional automatic hydraulic closing.

In place of the several reciprocable main valves other valves such as butterfly or gate valves might be actuated by the several actuating rods such as 58, 81, 117 and 147, and if desired the piston and cylinder mechanisms might be disposed alongside the bottom of the suction pipe. It Wlll also be noted in connection with Fig. 3 that the operating cylinder and piston 59 and 60 could be disposed within cylinder 52. The above and various other combinations of valves could be provided, which combinations are broadly suggested or found in the present disclosure.

One specific embodiment of a butterfly valve and recording instrument is shown in Fig. 8 wherein a flaring intake pipe 160 is provided with a butterfly valve 161 disposed in the restricted portion of the intake pipe. The valve is moved by lever 162, link 163 and piston rod 164, which carries a piston 165 movable in a cylinder 166. The control piping and method of operation may be the same as shown in any of the other forms, although that described in connection with Fig. 4 is preferable. 5

To record the flow a float Well 167 is divided into chambers 168 and 169. Chambers 168 and 169 are connected respectively to tailwater through a valve controlled port 170 and to the restricted neck of the suction pipe by a valve controlled pipe 171 connected thereto on the upstream side of said valve. Floats 172 and 173 free to move with the Water level existing in the chambers are provided with suitable extension shafts 174 and 175. Shaft 174 has a suitable marked gage board, while shaft 174 has an arrow cooperatin g with the board.

The water level in chamber 168 will always be equal to tailwater level and hence the gage board will follow any changes in the water level. The level in chamber 169 is the same as tailwater level only when the pump is not running or when there is no flow through the suction pipe, When flow exists the level in chamber 169 drops to correspond to the vebe desirable to provide a screen 176 in which case it is necessary to indicate the pressure level of the water after it, has passed through the screen, otherwise if the screen should be partly fouled, correct flow volume would not be indicated. To attain a correct reading,

I the valve controlled pipe associated with port 170 will be closed and thevalve controlled pipe 17 7 opened. Such an arrangement per-- mits the screen to be used or omitted at will without causing an inaccurate reading.

Movements of shafts 174 and 17 5 could be made use of for operating well known com.-

mercial integrating and recording devices, or such devices might be operated directly by connectingto pipe 177 for one element of the venturi'and pipe 171 for the other eleand intake pipes shown. Howevenin those forms where the restricted portion of the suction pipe is above the valve structure,pipe 171 which would be connected to the restricted portion would be provided with a check valve to avoid transmission of high pressure from the suction pipe to chamber 169 when the main valve is closed. The various plungers or plugs,and movable flow controlling elements are broadly valves, or movable valve elements.

In 9 there is shown a vertical pump 180- from which a horizontal non-flaring suction intake pipe 181 leads to tailwater 182, fluid flow from which into the intake pipe is controlled by a valve mechanism 2. The control-pipes such as shown in: Fig. 1 have been omitted for the sake of clearness but the general construction and operation will be the same as in Fig. 1 except of course gravity will notinfluence movement of the valve. While several modifications of foot valves and intake pipeshave been shown it will of course be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. The combination in a pumping system, comprising an intake pipe gradually flaring in the direction of normal flow therethrough, and means forming a bellmonth at the smaller end thereof.

2. The combination in a pumping system,

comprising a pump having a. casing provided with an inlet, a flaring suction intake pipe through which fluid normally flows in the direction of flare, and a valve mechanism disposed at the smaller end thereof.

3. The combination in a pumping system,

comprising a pump having a casing provided with an inlet, a flaring suction intake pipe through which fluid normally flows in the direction of flare, and a check valve associated therewith at the smaller end thereof.

4. The combination in a pumping system. comprising a pump having a casing provided with an inlet, a flaring suction intake pipe through which fluidnormally flows in the direction of flare, a bell mouth intake for said pipe, and a movable valve element cooperating with the bell mouth intake and adapted to control flow relative to said suction pipe.

.5. The combination in a pumping system, comprising a pump having a casing. provided with an inlet, a flaring suction intake pipe through which fluid normally flows in the direction of flare, and a movable valve element associated with said intake and adapted to shut off the same. 7

6. The combination in a pumping system, comprising a pump having a casing provided with an inlet, a flaring suction intake pipe through which fluid normally flows in the direction of flare, a movable valve element disposed at the smaller end of said pipe and adapted to shut off the'intake, and means for manually controlling the operation of said valve element.

7. The combination in a pumping system. comprising a flaring suction intake pipe through which fluid normally flows in the direction of flare, a movable valve element.

adapted to shut off the intake, disposed at the smaller end ofsaid pipe, andmeans for supporting the valve element to permit a closing movement in the direction in which fluid normally flows through said pipe.

8. The combination in a pumping system. comprising a flaring suction intake pipe. a check valve therefor disposed at the intake end thereof. and means for closing said valve automatically and at a regulated rate when reverse fluid flow takes place in said pipe.

9. The combination in a pumping system. comprising a pump having a casing. a suction intake pipe, a check valve disposed at the intake end thereof, means for closing said valve at a regulated rate. and means for automatically opening the same when a predetermined suction is applied to the column of water in said pipe. J

10. The combination in a pumping system, comprising a pump having a casing, a suction intake pipe, a foot valve therefor for preventing inflow of fluid toand outflow of fluid from said pipe, said valve having means whereby it is adapted for manual control and is also adapted to close automatically when normal flow through said intake pipe ceases.

inflow of fluid to said pipe is 11. The combination in a pumping system, comprising a suction intake pipe for a pump, a foot valve for preventing inflow of fluid to and outflow of fluid from said pipe, and means, including a fluid operating chamber, for automatically controlling said valve in accordance with pressure conditions in said pipe.

12. The combination with an intake pipe for a pump, of a foot valve therefor at the intake end thereof, and means for initially eflecting closing movement of said valve at one rate and thereafter closing said valve at a slower rate.

13. The combination with an .intake pipe for a pump, of a valve therefor at the intake end thereof, means for initially moving said valve at one rate and thereafter moving said valve at a slower rate, said moving means being actuated during all operations only by fluid pressure, and means whereby said latter rate of movement is automatically effected upon termination of the initial rate of movement.

14. The combination with an intake pipe for a pump, of a foot valve mechanism disposed adjacent the intake end'thereof, and means for actuating said valve by fluid pressure including a plurality of actuating fluid supply passages.

15. The combination with an intake pipe for a pump, of a valve mechanism disposed adjacent the intake end thereof, means for actuating said valve by fluid pressure includ- 7 ing a plurality of actuating fluid supply passages, and means for automatically rendering the supply through certain of said passages ineffective after predetermined movement of said valve.

16. The combination with the suction intake pipe for a pump, of a valve mechanism adjacent the intake end thereof, and means forming a smooth gradually turning laterallyextending fluid passageway whereby from a direction laterally of said 17. The combination with a suction intake pipe, ofa valve mech anisni therefor having a part of its structure forming laterally extending intake passages which smoothly and gradually turn the flow into said pipe.

18. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pump, of a valve for said pipe, said valve having laterally extending intake passages and a vertically movable valve element disposed normally in a lower position when open and movable upwardly in the direction of fluid flow through said pipe for closing the same.

19. The combination with a pump, of a suction intake pipe therefor, and foot valve mechanism having a casing provided with intake ports opening freely to the exterior at all times and having a movable valve member disposed below said ports.

valve to axially thereof.

20. The combination with a pump, of a suction intake pipe therefor, and foot valve mechanism having a casing provided with intake ports opening freely to the exterior'at all times and a movable valve element for an upper portion, ribs projecting therefronr to provide intake passageways therebetween, a cover member supported by said ribs, and a movable valve element having operative relation with said cover.

22. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve mechanism for said intake pipe comprising a supporting portion, ribs projecting there from to provide intake passageways therebetween, a n'iovable valve element, and means forming opening and closing fluid pressure chambers therefor including a member, supported by the lower end of said ribs, over which fluid flows from a lateral direction.

23. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve mechanism for said intake pipe comprising a casing having laterally opening inlet passages, a movable element for controlling said passages, and means forming a controllihg chamber and a port allowing communication at all times between said chamber and said intake passage.

'24. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system. of a foot valve mechanism comprising a casing having laterally opening inlet passages. a movable valve element for controlling said passages, means forming opening and closing chambers and a port allowing communication at all'times between one of said chambers and said intake passages, and means for variably subjecting the other chamber to fluid pressure.

The combination'with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of avalve mechanism therefor comprising a housing, a movable valve element supported therein, means forming opening and closing chambers, and

I a passage always open to allow flow of fluid adjacent said movable element to said opening chamber.

26. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve comprising a movable valve element, means for controlling said movable element by fluid pressure including piston and cylinder elements, means forming an exhaust passage adapted to be constantly in communication with one end of the cylinder, and means forming a port allowing flow of fluid. from the exterior to said cylinder end at all times.

27. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve for an intake pipe comprising a movable element, means for controlllng said movable element including a plurality of fluid pres- 29. A pumping system comprising an intake pipe, a foot valve therefor,and means for controlling the same including piston and cylinder 'elements, a fluid pressure supply pipe leading to said cylinder element and having a throttle valve disposed therein, and.

a second pipe leading from a source of fluid pressure supply to said other pipe at a point intermediate said throttle valve and foot valve.

30.. A pumping system comprising an intake pipe, a foot valve therefor, and means for controlling said valve including piston and cylinder elements, means for supplying actuating fluid to said cylinder element, and means for closing said valve automatically upon reverse fluid flow through said intake pipe, said automatic means permitting'fluid to be'conducted initially to said cylinder to effect initial closing movement and thereafter to conduct the fluid from the automatic means through said supply means to said cylinder.

31. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of a valve mechan1sm connected thereto and through which fluid normally flows in one direction, and means for controlllng sald valve mechanism 7 including piston and cylinder elements,-fluid supply means therefor, and othermeans for supplying fluid to said cylinder from said intake pipe when reverse flow therein takes place, said latter supplymeans being opera: tive fora predetermined movement of the valve, and means whereby after said predetermined movement-fluid from said intake pipe is'transmitted to said cylinder through said first fluid supply means.

32. The combination with a pumping system, of a flaring intake pipe having a gradual flare the tangent of which is less than onefourth while the normal flow through said pipe is in the direction of flare.

33. The combination with a pumping system, of a flaring intake suction pipe through which fluid normally flows inthe direction eashes:

"of flare, and flow indicating mechanism associated with said pipe.

'34:. The combination with a pumping system, of a flaring intake pipe having a restricted throat, fluid flow through said pipe being normally in the direction of flare, a valve disposed adjacent said throat, and flow indicating mechanism having a connection leading to said restricted throat on the upstream side of said valve.

35. The combination with a pumping system, of a flaring intake pipe having a venturi therein, fluid flow through said pipe being I normally in the direction of flare, and a flow indicating mechanism having a fluid passage connection leading to the throat of said venturi.

36. The combination with a suction pumping system, of an intake pipe, and flow indicating mechanism having a fluid connection with said pipe and another connection whereby the level of the tailwater is involved.

37. The combination with a pumping system, of a flaring intake pipe terminating in a mouth disposed in a suitable source of tailwator and having relatively free communication therewith, said pipe having arestricted portion, normal fluid flow through said pipe being in the direction of flare, and flow indicating mechanism having a fluid passage connection with said restricted portion of the pipe and another fluid connection leading substantially to the mouth thereof.

38. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of a check valve comprising means forming a valve seat,

a cooperating movable valve element, and means whereby said element may be held open in a substantially single position during variations in velocity of the flow past said seat. 39. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system,'of a check valve disposed at the foot thereof comprising means forming a valve seat, a movable valve element cooperating therewith, and means whereby movement of said valve element in an opening direction'is adapted to be independent of the rate of flow velocity through the valve.

40. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of a check valve d sposed at the foot thereof and comprising means forming a valve seat, a movable valve element cooperating therewith, and fluid pressure means for controlling the rate of movement of said valve element irrespective of the rate of flow velocity through the valve.

41. The combination with a suction intake pipe for a pumping system, of a check valvedisposed at the foot thereof and coinprising means forming a valve seat, a movable valve lelemnt cooperating therewith,

and fluid pressure means for controlling esa-r04 movement of said valve tially static pressure. 7

42. The combination in a pumping system comprising a pump with an inlet the diameter of which is materially less than the outer diameter of the pump, a flaring intake pipe the smaller end of which constitutes an intake mouth while the larger end is substantially the same diameter as that of the pump inlet. 43. The combination in a pumping system comprising a centrifugal pump provided with an outlet and inlet of substantially the same diameter, a flaring intake pipe the smaller end of which constitutes an intake mouth while the larger end thereof has communication with the pump inlet and is of substantially the same diameter as that of said inlet.

. 44. The combination with a pumping system of a flaring intake pipe, the smaller end of which constitutes an intake mouth and through which fluid normally flows in the element by substanto control fluid-flow through said pipe, and means for automatically closing said valve upon reversal of flow through said p1pe, 1n-

cluding fluid control mechanism having fluid connectionwith the enlarged portion of the flaring pipe, thereby to obtain a greater pressure than is present at the reduced end of said pipe.

45. The combination with a pumpmg system, of a flaring intake pipe the smaller end of which constitutes an intake mouth and through which fluid normally flows in the direction of flare, a valve mechanism adapted to control fluid-flow through said pipe, and means for automatically closing said valve upon reversal of flow through said pipe, 1neluding fluid control mechanism .havlng fluid connection with the enlarged portion of the flaring pipe, thereby to obtain a greater pressure than is present at the reduced end of said pipe, said valve mechanism being disposed at the smaller end of said pipe, where- I by pressure acting on said valve upon reverse flow is less than the pressure for said fluid control mechanism.

46. The combination with a pumping system, of a flaring intake pipe, fluid-flow through which is normally in the direction of flare, a valve mechanism disposed at the smaller endof said pipe, and means for controlling the operation of said valve mechanism, including piston and cylinder elements and means for controlling actuating fluid therefor, including a fluid connection between said cylinder and enlarged portion of said intake pipe, whereby upon reverse flow through said pipe a greater static pressure may be obtained at the larger portion of said pipe than will be present at the smaller end thereof adjacent the valve. I

47. The combination with .a pumping sys tem of a flaring intake pipe having a valve mechanism at the smaller end thereof which constitutes the intake mouth, fluid-flow through said pipe normally being in the direction of flare, and means for controlling said valve mechanism, including piston and cylinder elements, means for continuously supplying fluid pressure to one end of said cylinder to hold the valve open during normal flow through said pipe, and a fluid con constitutes the intake mouth, fluid-flow. direction of flare, a valve mechanism adapted upon reverse flow through said pipe a sutficient pressure is automatically obtained to efiect closure of said valve mechanism, said piston having differential areas. I

49. The combination with a pumping system having a pump, of aflaring intake pipe extending laterally from the axis of said pump, normal fluid-flow through said pipe being in the direction of flare, a foot-valve mechanism disposed at the smaller end of said pipe and having an operating rod extending upwardly within said pipe and through the upper top surface thereof, and piston and cylinder elements disposed on an upper portion of said pipe and having operative connection with said rod.

' 50. The combination, in a pumping system, comprising a pump having a casing provided with an inlet, and an intake pipe flaring in the direction of normal flow therethrough whereby the smaller end of said pipe consti- 'tutes its intake end.

51. The combination in a pumping system, comprising a pump having a casing provided with an inlet, and an intake pipe flaring in the direction of normal flow therethrough, the smaller end of said pipe constituting its intake end and the length of said pipe being materially greater than the maximum diameter thereof. I

52. The combination in a pumping system comprising a pump having an inlet and an intakepipe connected thereto, a foot valve for said pipe at the intake end thereof, and means for eflecting a certain closing movement of said valve at a predetermined rate and thereafter closing said valve at a slower valve mechanism having a casing carried at I I the lower end ofsaid pipe and provided with inflow passages, a plunger, and means for slidably supporting the same and providing a fluid pressure operating chamber therewith.

55. The combination with an intake pipe fora pumping system, of a foot valve therefor comprising a housing, a plunger supported therein and having provision to form an annular operating chamber with said housing and also an internal operating chamber.

56. The combination with an intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve mechanism for said intake pipe comprising a housing, inlet passages therethrough.- a plunger slidably supported by said housing and having means providing annular and internal fluid operating chambers, and means for controlling fluid flow to at least one of said chambers including a passage through said plunger whereby fluid communication may be had between said chamber and said intake pipe.

57 The combination with an intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve mechanism for said intake pipe comprising a housing, inlet passages therethrough, a plunger slidably supported by said housing and having means providing annular and internal fluid operating chambers, means for control- 60. The combination with a flaring suction intake pipe, for a-pumping system, through which fluid normally flows in the direction of flare, of a butterfly valve disposed in said pipe adjacent its lower end, and a piston and cylinder carried by said intake pipe on the outside thereof for operating said butterfly valve.

61. The combination with an intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve for said intake pipe including a valve disc, and means for supporting the same for axial movement to control fluid flow relative to said intake pipe, said means having a bell-like mouth with which said disc is adapted to cooperate for valve seating purposes.

62. The combination w1th an intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve housing having lateral inlet passages a valve disc axially movable in saidhousing for controlling fluid flow therethrough, an operating rod extending from said valve disc.

upwardly through said intake pipe to a point externally thereof, and power actuating means for operating saidv rod.

- 63.The combination w1th an intake pipe for a pumping system, of a foot valve housing having lateral inlet passages, a valve' disc axially movable in said housing for controlling fluid flow therethrough, an operating rod extending from said valve disc upwardly through said intake pipe to a point externally thereof, and a fluid pressure piston and cylinder for operatingaid rod.

OTTO V. RUSE.

CHESTER. W. LARNER.

ling fluid flow to at least one of said cham- 1 bers including a passage through .said plunger whereby fluid communication may be had between said chamber and said intake pipe, and means for variably controlling said passage in accordance with the position of said plunger.

58. The combination w1th a flaring suction intake pipe, for apumping system, through which fluid normally flows in the direction of flare, of a butterfly valve disposed in said pipe adjacent its lower end.

591.{ The COIfILbiIIatiOII with a flaring suction inta e pi e, or a pum in syste throu h which fluid normally flo ws in the diiectionTaf flare, of a butterfly valve'dis'posed in said pipe adjacent its lower end, and a piston and cylinder for operating said butterfly valve. 

